GLENVILLE – The Reverend George R. Richards, 80, entered into eternal rest on May 13, 2017 at Ellis Hospital. Richards was born in Scranton (PA) and graduated from Scranton Central High School and Wilkes University, then the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Following ordination in the Episcopal Church, Richards was pastor of churches in Pennsylvania, Clifton Springs, and E. Rochester, New York, before serving as director of human resources at the University of Rochester, Clifton Springs Hospital, and Union College. Upon retirement from Union he returned to the ministry, serving United Methodist Churches in Crown Point, Moriah, Middle Grove, Rock City Falls, East Stone Arabia, and Fonda-Fultonville.
He was a long-time member of the bass section of the Mohawk Valley Chorus and a founding member of the Hudson-Mohawk Chorale, with which he toured the European Low Countries in 2015. He was also an avid boater, with a particular love of Lake Ontario.
Richards is survived by his son, Jeffrey Richards, of Columbus, Ohio, multiple friends and colleagues, and dear friend Janet Angelis of New Baltimore.
At his request, his body has been donated to Albany Medical College, and a celebration of his life will be held at a future date. Gifts of remembrance may be made to the American Heart Association; the Mohawk Valley Chorus, PO Box 612, Amsterdam, NY 12010; or the Hudson-Mohawk Chorale, PO Box 11422, Loudonville, NY 12211. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Kathy Dolan McCann
May 17, 2017 at 5:34 amJeffrey,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your beloved father.
Your dad was the director of Human Resources when I started my employment at Union College in 1988 and for some years we occupied the same building. He was a very nice man.
Bud and Sally Halsey
May 17, 2017 at 12:35 pmWe want to extend our condolences. While we attended Faith United Methodist, Schenectady in the 90’s, George was a vital member of the choir. When he decided to pursue the return to active ministry, he and I, (Sally) facilitated a Disciple Bible Study. The Psalms were very dear to him. His height and deep voice made him a bit intimidating, but he had a tender heart.
The fire at the Fonda church must have been a major blow. We thought about that a lot when we heard about it.
We count it an honor to have known George, and shared experiences with him.
Sally and Bud Halsey
Marge Reynheer
May 17, 2017 at 1:50 pmJanet – I just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. George was a special man and I enjoyed getting to know him over the time we were singing together. I hope you will find comfort in the love of friends and family and in your faith, Looking forward to being able to celebrate George’s life with you, Jeff and his many friends.
Maxine Getty, Albany District Admin Asst.
May 18, 2017 at 7:46 amDear Jeff, on behalf of the Albany District we would like to share our condolences to you and your family. Rev. George brought a light to the ministry at the Fonda-Fultonville and East Stone Arabia UMC’s and will be missed. We look forward to celebrating Rev. George’s life with you and family.